JP4025663B2 - Image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism and color image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism and a color image forming apparatus including the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional color image forming apparatuses (color printers, color copiers, etc.), a plurality of image forming units are arranged in parallel in the transport direction and formed on an image carrier (for example, a photosensitive drum) in the image forming unit. Various methods have been proposed in which different color toner images are sequentially transferred onto a recording medium held on a conveyance belt. In addition, a plurality of image forming units are arranged in parallel in the transport direction, and toner images of different colors respectively formed on the photosensitive drums in the image forming unit are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer member to superimpose a primary transfer image. Subsequently, a method has been proposed in which the primary transfer image is secondarily transferred onto a recording medium held on a conveyance belt.
[0003]
The tandem type color image forming apparatus having the plurality of photosensitive drums forms a color image by rotating the single photosensitive drum a plurality of times in order to form a color image by one rotation of the plurality of photosensitive drums. Compared with a multi-rotation type color image forming apparatus, there is an advantage that a full color image can be output at a high speed, and it has become the mainstream of high-speed color image forming apparatuses.
[0004]
In the tandem type color image forming apparatus having the plurality of photosensitive drums, it is necessary to remove the plurality of photosensitive drums or the plurality of developing devices from the apparatus main body for maintenance and life. As a mechanism for removing such a plurality of photosensitive drums or developing devices, a dedicated positioning / fixing tool is provided for each of the plurality of photosensitive drums, and the positioning / fixing tool is operated for each of the plurality of photosensitive drums. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a mechanism has been proposed in which a plurality of photosensitive drums and a plurality of developing devices are collectively pulled out from the apparatus main body, and then a plurality of photosensitive drums or a plurality of developing devices can be attached and detached (for example, Patent Documents). 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-179472 (FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-108049 A (FIG. 2)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, this conventional technique has the following problems.
[0007]
That is, when a dedicated positioning / fixing tool is provided for each of the plurality of photosensitive drums, it is necessary to operate the positioning / fixing tool for each photosensitive drum in order to make the photosensitive drum detachable. Minute positioning / fixing tools are required, and multiple minutes of operation time are required.
[0008]
On the other hand, when the plurality of photosensitive drums and the plurality of developing devices are pulled out from the apparatus main body at once, the operability is improved because the work is certainly performed by pulling out from the apparatus main body. However, since it is necessary to operate the positioning / fixing tool for each photosensitive drum, a plurality of dedicated positioning / fixing tools are required, and a plurality of operation times are required.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and does not require a large-scale mechanism, and a plurality of image carriers can be reliably detached from the apparatus main body by a single simple operation. An object is to provide an image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism and a color image forming apparatus including the same.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention includes a plurality of image carriers that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body in an axial direction, and a developing roller that is disposed so as to face the image carrier coaxially. A plurality of developing units, a holding member that holds a plurality of pressing / separating members that press and release the developing roller of the developing unit against the image carrier, and a connecting member that is connected to the holding member,The holding member and the connecting member are provided with a connecting portion that obliquely connects each other.By moving the connecting member in the image carrier axis direction, the holding member is moved in a direction orthogonal to the developing roller axis direction, and the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of the image separation bodies are moved by the plurality of pressing / separating members. This is for setting / releasing the developing gap with the developing roller.
[0011]
  According to the present invention,Provide a connecting part for connecting the holding member and the connecting member obliquely to each other.The holding member is moved in the direction perpendicular to the developing roller axial direction by moving the connecting member in the image bearing member axial direction, and the development gaps between the plurality of image bearing members and the plurality of developing rollers are moved by the plurality of pressing / contacting members. Can be set / released. Therefore, a large-scale mechanism is not required, and a plurality of image carriers can be reliably detached from the apparatus main body with a single simple operation.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  An image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of image carriers attached to an apparatus main body so as to be attachable / detachable in an axial direction, and a development arranged so as to face the image carrier coaxially. A plurality of developing units having rollers and rotatably held by the apparatus main body; a holding member for holding a plurality of pressing / separating members that press and release the developing rollers of the developing units against the image carrier; A connecting member connected to the member,The holding member and the connecting member are provided with a connecting portion that obliquely connects each other.By moving the connecting member in the image carrier axis direction, the holding member is moved in a direction orthogonal to the developing roller axis direction, and the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of the image separation bodies are moved by the plurality of pressing / separating members. A configuration for setting / releasing the developing gap with the developing roller is adopted.
[0013]
  According to this configuration, the holding member and the connecting member are provided with a connecting portion that obliquely connects the holding member and the connecting member, and the connecting member is moved in the image carrier axial direction, thereby moving the holding member in a direction orthogonal to the developing roller axial direction. Accordingly, the development gaps between the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of developing rollers can be set / released by the plurality of pressing / separating members. Therefore, a large-scale mechanism is not required, and a plurality of image carriers can be reliably detached from the apparatus main body with a single simple operation.
[0015]
According to this configuration, the holding member is moved in the direction orthogonal to the developing roller axial direction by moving the connecting member in the image carrier axis direction, and the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of image bearing members are moved by the plurality of press contact members. The developing gap with the developing roller can be set / released. Therefore, a large-scale mechanism is not required, and a plurality of image carriers can be reliably detached from the apparatus main body with a single simple operation.
[0016]
Further, even when the front surface of the apparatus main body is disposed in the axial direction of the image carrier, the operator moves the connecting member in the axial direction of the image carrier and moves a plurality of images by a plurality of pressing / separating members. After releasing the developing gap between the carrier and the plurality of developing rollers, the image carrier can be attached and detached in the axial direction. For this reason, a plurality of image carriers can be reliably attached to and detached from the apparatus main body from the front surface of the apparatus main body with a simple operation.
[0017]
  First of the present invention2The aspect of the1In the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the above aspect, the connecting member is configured to move in the axial direction of the image carrier in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door on the front surface of the apparatus main body.
[0018]
According to this configuration, the development gaps between the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of developing rollers can be set / released by the plurality of pressing / separating members in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door. In addition, a plurality of image carriers can be reliably detached from the apparatus main body by one simple operation.
[0019]
In addition, since the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door can reliably and automatically set / release the developing gaps between the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of developing rollers, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation by the operator.
[0020]
  First of the present invention3The aspect of the1Or the second2In the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the above aspect, the connecting member is configured to operate an interlock switch in accordance with the movement in the image carrier axial direction.
[0021]
According to this configuration, the connecting member can also be used as an actuator for operating the interlock switch. Therefore, a separate mechanism for the interlock switch is not required separately, and the apparatus main body on which the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism is mounted Can be realized at low cost.
[0022]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects,The connecting portion has an opening for connecting the shaft to one of the holding member and the connecting member and the other to the shaft.Take the configuration.
[0023]
According to this configuration, the connecting member is moved in the axial direction of the image carrier and the holding member is moved in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the developing roller by only a simple mechanism of the shaft portion and the opening portion without requiring a large-scale mechanism. Can be made.
[0024]
  First of the present invention5The first to the second aspects4In the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to any one of the above, the pressing / separating member is configured to be disposed on the lower side in the vicinity of both end portions in the axial direction of the developing device for each of the plurality of developing devices.
[0025]
According to this configuration, since the development gaps between the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of developing rollers can be set from two points near the both ends of each developing device, the developing rollers can be set evenly in the axial direction. And it can be done reliably.
[0026]
  First of the present invention6The aspect of the5In the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the above aspect, the pressing / separating member has a convex part that contacts the lower surface of the developing device and an inclined part that falls from the convex part to both sides in the moving direction of the holding member, The developing device has a configuration in which a convex portion of the pressing / separating member is accommodated and a concave portion for retracting the developing roller from the image carrier is provided on the lower surface.
[0027]
According to this configuration, the pressing / separating member can set an appropriate developing gap between the developing roller and the image carrier by reliably pressing the developing unit upward using the convex portion. In addition, by accommodating the convex portion of the pressing / separating member in the concave portion of the developing device, the developing roller can be reliably retracted from the surface of the image carrier. Furthermore, the holding member can be smoothly moved using the inclined portion of the pressing / separating member.
[0028]
  First of the present invention7The first to the second aspects6In the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to any one of the above, the pressing / separating member includes a biasing unit that biases the developing device in a direction in which the developing roller is pressed against the image carrier. .
[0029]
According to this configuration, since the developing roller is pressed against the image carrier by the urging unit, it is possible to reliably set the developing gap between them.
[0030]
  First of the present invention8The aspect of the7In the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the above aspect, the biasing means is a coil spring.
[0031]
According to this configuration, the urging means for urging the developing device can be realized with a simple configuration and low cost.
[0032]
  First of the present inventionA ninth aspect is a color image forming apparatus including the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to any one of the first to eighth aspects..
[0033]
  According to this configuration,The same effect as any one of the first to eighth aspects can be obtained.
[0052]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0053]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus 100 to which a photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism as an image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the color image forming apparatus 100 includes a reading unit 101 that reads a document at the top, and a main body unit 102 that performs paper feeding, transfer, recording, and fixing processes below the reading unit 101.
[0054]
A plurality of paper feed cassettes 103 are installed in a lower region of the main unit 102. The uppermost sheet is taken out by the pickup roller 104 from the sheet bundle set in the sheet feeding cassette 103.
[0055]
The paper taken out from the paper feed cassette 103 is fed by a paper feed roller 105 into a paper path 106 formed upward from the bottom of the main unit 102. In the paper path 106, a plurality of transport rollers 107 and 108 for transporting the paper further upward are arranged.
[0056]
The sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller 108 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 109 and passed to the registration roller 110. A secondary transfer roller 111 is disposed at a sheet conveyance destination by the registration roller 110.
[0057]
The secondary transfer roller 111 is disposed to face the belt conveyance roller 112a among belt conveyance rollers 112a and 112b around which an intermediate transfer belt described later is wound. The secondary transfer roller 111 transfers the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt onto the conveyed paper. The registration roller 110 controls the position adjustment between the image on the intermediate transfer belt and the recording area of the paper.
[0058]
The belt conveyance roller 112a is disposed in the vicinity of the right end portion shown in FIG. 1 of the color image forming apparatus 100, and the belt conveyance roller 112b is disposed in the vicinity of the left end portion shown in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 113 is wound around these belt conveying rollers 112a and 112b. The belt conveying roller 112a is driven by a driving roller, and the intermediate transfer belt 113 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing according to the driving.
[0059]
Below the intermediate transfer belt 113, process units 114 </ b> Y to 114 </ b> K that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 113 are arranged in parallel. ing. These process units 114Y to 114K are held by the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism according to the present embodiment.
[0060]
Each process unit 114 is disposed opposite to each photoconductor drum 115 and the photoconductor drums 115 </ b> Y to 115 </ b> K as image carriers that carry the image to be transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 113, and is formed on each photoconductor drum 115. Developing units 117Y to 117K having developing rollers 116Y to 116K that visualize the image by attaching toner to the latent image.
[0061]
Each photosensitive drum 115 is detachably attached to the color image forming apparatus 100 in the axial direction (front side shown in FIG. 1). In the color image forming apparatus 100, the photosensitive drum 115 is attached / detached from an opening / closing door formed on the front surface of the apparatus. Each developing device 117 is rotatably held with respect to the color image forming apparatus 100.
[0062]
Primary transfer rollers 118 </ b> Y to 118 </ b> K are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 113 at positions facing the respective photosensitive drums 115. Each primary transfer roller 118 transfers the image formed on each photosensitive drum 115 to the intermediate transfer belt 113. The primary transfer rollers 118 </ b> Y to 118 </ b> K transfer the images of the respective colors at the same position so that a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 113. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 113 is transferred to the sheet by the secondary transfer roller 111.
[0063]
A fixing unit 119 is disposed at the conveyance destination of the sheet on which the color image is transferred. The fixing unit 119 includes a fixing roller 120 and a pressure roller 121 disposed to face the fixing roller 120. The fixing roller 120 applies heat to the recording surface of the paper, and the pressure roller 121 presses the paper against the fixing roller 120, whereby the color image is fixed on the paper.
[0064]
The paper discharged from the fixing unit 119 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 123 by the discharge roller 122. In the color image forming apparatus 100, the paper discharge tray 123 is formed in an internal area of the main unit 102.
[0065]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0066]
2 and 3 are enlarged views of the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment. 2 shows the case where the developing device 117 is mounted at a predetermined position where the image forming operation can be performed in the color image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. 3, the process unit 114 is moved from the predetermined position where the image forming operation can be performed. It shows the moved state. Further, each drawing (a) shows a top view of the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, and each drawing (b) shows a side view. In each figure (a), the process unit 114K is omitted for convenience of explanation.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment is configured by mounting a plurality of process units 114 on a member constituted by a long body connected to each other. The This member includes a pair of holding members 201 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 115 and a connecting member 202 provided in the same direction as the photosensitive drum 115. The holding member 201 has a configuration that can move in the left-right direction shown in FIG. 2A, and the connecting member 202 has a configuration that can move in the vertical direction.
[0068]
Each holding member 201 is obliquely connected to the connecting member 202 at the right end shown in FIG. That is, each holding member 201 has a shaft 203 at a connection portion with the connection member 202. On the other hand, the connecting member 202 includes an opening 204 having a shape inclined obliquely upward to the right as shown in FIG. By connecting the opening 204 formed in the connecting member 202 to the shaft 203 of the holding member 201, the holding member 201 is obliquely connected to the connecting member 202.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 2B, the holding member 201 includes pressing / separating members 205Y to 205K at positions corresponding to the developing units 117Y to 117K of the process units 114. Each pressing / separating member 205 presses the developing devices 117 </ b> Y to 117 </ b> K so that the developing roller 116 presses and contacts the photosensitive drum 115.
[0070]
As described above, in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, each pressing / separating member 205 is provided on the holding member 201 and presses the developing device 117 at the lower side in the vicinity of each axial end portion of each developing device 117. To do. For this reason, the development gaps between the plurality of photosensitive drums 115 and the plurality of developing rollers 116 are set from two points near the both ends of each developing device 117. As a result, the development gap between the photosensitive drum 115 and the development roller 116 can be set evenly and reliably with respect to the axial direction of the development roller 116.
[0071]
When the photosensitive drum 115 is made detachable from the state shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 moves the connecting member 202 to the lower side (the front surface of the color image forming apparatus 100) shown in FIG. To the side). FIG. 3 shows the state of the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 after the connecting member 202 is moved downward as shown in FIG.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 3 (a), when the connecting member 202 is moved downward as shown in FIG. 3 (a) (FIG. 2 (a)), the holding member 201 is shown in FIG. 3 (a). Move to the right. At this time, each pressing / separating member 205 provided on the holding member 201 also moves to the right side shown in FIG. Each pressing / separating member 205 is accommodated in a recess formed on the lower surface of the developing device 117 described later.
[0073]
When each pressing / separating member 205 is accommodated in a recess formed on the lower surface of the developing device 117, each developing device 117 rotates in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. The developing roller 116 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 115 according to the rotation of the developing device 117.
[0074]
Conversely, when the connecting member 202 is moved from the state shown in FIG. 3A to the upper side shown in FIG. 3A (the rear surface side of the color image forming apparatus 100), the holding member 201 is moved accordingly. It moves to the left side shown in FIG. At this time, each pressing / separating member 205 provided on the holding member 201 also moves to the left side shown in FIG. Each pressing / separating member 205 comes out of a recess formed on the lower surface of the developing device 117.
[0075]
When each pressing / separating member 205 comes out of a recess formed on the lower surface of the developing device 117, it is pushed up by the pressing / separating member 205, and each developing device 117 rotates in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. . The developing roller 116 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 115 according to the rotation of the developing device 117. Thus, the developing roller 116 is pressed or separated from the developing roller 115 in accordance with the movement of the connecting member 202.
[0076]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the holding member 201 constituting the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment.
[0077]
As shown in the figure, pressing / separating members 205 </ b> Y to 205 </ b> K are attached to the upper surface of the holding member 201. Each pressing / separating member 205 is made of synthetic resin or the like and has a fitting structure with respect to the holding member 201.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 4, each pressing / separating member 205 has a convex portion 401 that protrudes upward in the vicinity of the left side end portion shown in FIG. 4 and contacts the lower surface of the developing device 117. Inclined portions 402 a and 402 b that are continuous with the convex portion 401 and descend on both sides in the moving direction of the holding member 201 are provided. In the inclined portion 402, the inclined portion 402a formed on the right side shown in FIG. 4 has a gentle inclination, while the inclined portion 402b formed on the left side has a steeper inclination than the inclined portion 402a. ing.
[0079]
A coil spring 403 as an urging means is attached to a region below the convex portion 401 of each pressing / separating member 205. The coil spring 403 is attached in a state sandwiched between the holding member 201 and the back surface of the convex portion 401 of the pressing / separating member 205, and biases the convex portion 401 of the pressing / separating member 205 upward. As a result, the developing device 117 is urged upward, and the developing roller 116 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 115.
[0080]
As described above, in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, the developing roller 116 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 115 by the coil spring 403, so that the development gap between them can be set reliably. Further, by adopting the coil spring 403, an urging means for urging the developing device 117 is realized with a simple configuration and at a low cost.
[0081]
Hereinafter, the relationship between the pressing / separating member 205 of the holding member 201 having the above configuration and the developing device 117 will be described.
[0082]
5 and 6 are enlarged views for explaining the relationship between the developing device 117 and the pressing / separating member 205 in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment.
[0083]
5 shows a state corresponding to FIG. 2, that is, a case where the developing device 117 is arranged at a predetermined position where the color image forming apparatus 100 can perform an image forming operation. FIG. 6 shows a state corresponding to FIG. 3, that is, a state where the developing device 117 is moved from a predetermined position where an image can be formed.
[0084]
Moreover, each figure (a) shows the side view which shows the relationship between the developing device 117 and the press separation member 205 in the photoconductor drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, and each figure (b) is this case. It is an enlarged view shown about the state of the connection part of the holding member 201 in FIG.
[0085]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 has the developing device 117 arranged at a predetermined position where the image forming operation can be performed in the color image forming apparatus 100, the convex portion 401 of the pressing / separating member 205. Is a state in contact with the lower surface of the developing device 117 from below. At this time, the convex portion 401 is in contact with the left side of the concave portion 501 formed on the lower surface of the developing device 117.
[0086]
In this case, the developing device 117 is biased upward by the biasing force of the coil spring 403. In the state of being biased by the coil spring 403, the developing device 117 is pressed in the direction of arrow C in the figure by the pressing / separating member 205 with a shaft 502 provided below the developing roller 116 as a fulcrum. When the developing device 117 is pressed by the pressing / separating member 205 as described above, an appropriate developing gap is set between the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115.
[0087]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, the connecting portion between the holding member 201 and the connecting member 202 is such that the shaft 203 of the holding member 201 is positioned at the leftmost lower side of the opening 204 of the connecting member 202. It is in a state of being arranged. This is a state where the connecting member 202 is not pulled out to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100. That is, an appropriate developing gap is set between the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115 in a state where the connecting member 202 is not moved to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100.
[0088]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the developing device 117 is moved from the predetermined position shown in FIG. 5 in order to attach and detach the photosensitive drum 115, the convex portion 401 of the pressing / separating member 205 is the lower surface of the developing device 117. It is the state accommodated in the recessed part 501 formed in this.
[0089]
In this case, the developing device 117 is released from the urging force of the coil spring 403 by the amount that the pressing / separating member 205 is accommodated in the recess 501. For this reason, the developing device 117 rotates in the direction of arrow D in the figure with the shaft 502 as a fulcrum. As a result, the developing roller 116 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 115, and the developing gap set between the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115 is released.
[0090]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 6B, the connecting portion between the holding member 201 and the connecting member 202 is arranged such that the shaft 203 of the holding member 201 is located on the rightmost upper side of the opening 204 of the connecting member 202. It is the state that was done. This is a state in which the connecting member 202 is pulled out to the front (front) side of the color image forming apparatus 100. That is, in the state where the connecting member 202 is moved to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100, the developing gap set between the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115 is released.
[0091]
As described above, in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to this exemplary embodiment, the shaft 203 is provided at the end of the holding member 201, while the connecting member 202 is provided with the opening 204 that is obliquely connected to the shaft 203 of the holding member 201. Then, the movement of the connecting member 202 is transmitted to the holding member 201. Accordingly, the holding member 201 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the developing roller 116 by moving the connecting member 202 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 115 with only a simple mechanism of the shaft 203 and the opening 204 without requiring a large mechanism. It can be moved in the direction to do.
[0092]
Further, in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing / separating member 205 is in contact with the lower surface of the developing device 117, and the protruding portion 401 faces both sides in the moving direction of the holding member 201. And a concave portion 501 that accommodates the convex portion 401 of the pressing / separating member 205 when the holding member 201 is moved. Thereby, the pressing / separating member 205 can set an appropriate developing gap between the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115 by reliably pressing the developing device 117 upward using the convex portion 401. it can. In addition, by accommodating the convex portion 401 of the pressing / separating member 205 in the concave portion 501 of the developing device 117, the developing roller 116 can be reliably retracted from the photosensitive drum 115. Furthermore, the holding member 201 can be smoothly moved using the inclined portion 402 of the pressing / separating member 205.
[0093]
As described above, the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment pulls the connecting member 202 connected to the holding member 201 that holds the process unit 114 to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100. The developing roller 116 of the developing device 117 is separated from the photosensitive drum 115. On the other hand, by pushing the connecting member 202 to the rear side (back side) of the color image forming apparatus 100, the developing roller 116 of the developing device 117 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 115.
[0094]
In the present embodiment, the connecting member 202 is attached to the back surface of the open / close door provided on the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 sets / releases the developing gap between the developing roller 116 of the developing device 117 and the photosensitive drum 115 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door of the color image forming apparatus 100. Like to do.
[0095]
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a state in which the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment is attached to the open / close door 700 of the color image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the open / close door 700 of the color image forming apparatus 100 is closed. For convenience of explanation, the process unit 114K is omitted.
[0096]
As shown in the drawing, in the color image forming apparatus 100, an opening / closing door 700 is provided in parallel with one holding member 201. The open / close door 700 is provided on the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100.
[0097]
A connecting bar 701 is attached around one end of the connecting member 202 on the opening / closing door 700 side. The connection bar 701 has a foldable structure, and the other end is attached to the back surface of the open / close door 700.
[0098]
In the state shown in the figure, the connecting member 202 is not pulled out to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100. For this reason, the state of the connecting portion between the holding member 201 and the connecting member 202 is the state shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the pressing / separating member 205 of the holding member 201 is in a state of pressing the developing device 117 upward, and the developing roller 116 is appropriately pressed against the photosensitive drum 115. .
[0099]
FIG. 8 shows a state in which the open / close door 700 is opened from the state shown in FIG.
[0100]
As shown in the figure, the connecting bar 701 is drawn to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the opening operation of the open / close door 700. Accordingly, the connecting member 202 is also pulled out to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100. For this reason, the state of the connecting portion between the holding member 201 and the connecting member 202 is the state shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the pressing / separating member 205 of the holding member 201 is in a state of being accommodated in the concave portion 502 of the developing device 117, and the developing roller 116 is retracted from the photosensitive drum 115.
[0101]
As described above, in the color image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the opening / closing door 700 is opened, the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115 are automatically separated from each other, and maintenance and replacement of the photosensitive drum 115 are performed. Can be done. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 700 is opened and the photosensitive drum 115 of the process unit 114 is extracted. After performing maintenance or the like on the photosensitive drum 115, the operator inserts the photosensitive drum 115 again and closes the open / close door 700. In accordance with this closing operation, the developing gap between the developing roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 115 is automatically set appropriately.
[0102]
As described above, in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of photosensitive drums 115 and the plurality of developing rollers 116 are developed by the plurality of pressing / separating members 205 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 700. The gap is set / released automatically. Thereby, since it can be performed without being aware of the setting / releasing of the developing gap between the photosensitive drum 115 and the developing roller 116, an erroneous operation of the operator can be prevented.
[0103]
In the color image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the connecting member 202 is used as a connecting member that controls on / off of the interlock switch. The interlock switch stops the operation of the apparatus when the opening / closing door 700 is opened in order to ensure the safety of the color image forming apparatus 100.
[0104]
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a state in which the connecting member 202 of the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment is attached to the interlock switch. FIG. 10 shows a state where the open / close door 700 of the color image forming apparatus 100 is closed. For convenience of explanation, the process unit 114K is omitted.
[0105]
As shown in the figure, the interlock switch 1001 is provided on the extension line of the connecting member 202 and inside the color image forming apparatus 100. In the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism according to the present embodiment, the connecting member 202 is configured to be slightly longer than the holding member 201 on the back side of the apparatus, and the tip thereof is connected to the interlock switch 1001.
[0106]
In the state shown in the figure, that is, when the connecting member 202 is not pulled out to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100, the interlock switch 1001 is turned off in the color image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Is set. Therefore, the operation of the color image forming apparatus 100 is not stopped and can operate normally according to an instruction from the operator.
[0107]
On the other hand, when the opening / closing door 700 is opened and the connecting member 202 is pulled out to the front side of the color image forming apparatus 100, the interlock switch 1001 is turned on. In this case, the operation of the color image forming apparatus 100 is stopped and the operation is prohibited until the opening / closing door 700 is closed.
[0108]
As described above, according to the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, since the connecting member 202 is also used as an actuator for operating the interlock switch 1001, a mechanism dedicated to the interlock switch 1001 is required separately. Instead, the interlock mechanism in the color image forming apparatus 100 can be realized at low cost.
[0109]
As described above in detail, according to the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, the pressing member is moved by moving the holding member 201 in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 115. A development gap between the plurality of photosensitive drums 115 and the plurality of developing rollers 116 can be set / released by 205. For this reason, a large-scale mechanism is not required, and the plurality of photosensitive drums 115 can be reliably detached from the main body unit 102 of the color image forming apparatus 100 by one simple operation.
[0110]
In particular, when the holding member 201 is moved, in the photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism 200 according to the present embodiment, the connecting member 202 connected to the holding member 201 is moved from the front surface of the color image forming apparatus 100 to the shaft of the photosensitive drum 115. Move in the direction. Therefore, the plurality of photosensitive drums 115 can be reliably attached to and detached from the main unit 102 from the front surface of the main unit 102 of the color image forming apparatus 100 with a simple operation.
[0111]
In the present embodiment, the case where the connecting member 202 is attached to the back surface of the open / close door 700 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connecting member 202 may be attached to a lever that can be arbitrarily operated by the operator. In such a change, the photosensitive drum 115 can be attached and detached as required by the operator.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a large-scale mechanism is not required, and a plurality of image carriers can be reliably attached to and detached from the apparatus main body with a single simple operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus to which a photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism as an image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a holding member constituting the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view for explaining a relationship between a developing device and a pressing / separating member in the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view for explaining the relationship between the developing device and the pressing / separating member in the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a state in which the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment is attached to the open / close door of the color image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the color image forming apparatus is attached to the open / close door in the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where an opening / closing door is opened and a portion provided with an image carrier is extracted in the image carrier attachment / detachment mechanism according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining an attachment state of the connecting member of the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to the embodiment to the interlock switch.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 color image forming apparatus
114 process units
115 Photosensitive drum
116 Developing roller
117 Developer
200 Photosensitive drum attaching / detaching mechanism (image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism)
201 Holding member
202 connecting member
203 axes
204 opening
205 Pressing / separating member
401 Convex
402a, 402b inclined part
403 Coil spring
700 Open / close door
701 Connecting bar
1001 Interlock switch

Claims (9)

A plurality of image carriers that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body in an axial direction, and a plurality of developing rollers that are arranged so as to face the image carrier coaxially. A developing unit; a holding member that holds a plurality of pressing / separating members that press and release the developing roller of the developing unit against the image carrier; and a connecting member that is connected to the holding member. The connecting member is provided with a connecting portion that obliquely connects each other, and the connecting member is moved in the axial direction of the image carrier, whereby the holding member is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the developing roller. An image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism, wherein a development gap between the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of developing rollers is set / released by a pressing / separating member.   2. The image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member moves in the image carrier axial direction in conjunction with an opening / closing operation of an opening / closing door on the front surface of the apparatus main body.   3. The image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member operates an interlock switch in accordance with the movement in the axial direction of the image carrier. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting portion has an opening that obliquely connects the shaft to one of the holding member and the connecting member and the other to the shaft. A carrier attaching / detaching mechanism.   5. The image carrier according to claim 1, wherein the pressing / separating member is disposed on a lower side in the vicinity of both end portions in the axial direction of the developing device for each of the plurality of developing devices. Body attachment / detachment mechanism.   The pressing / separating member has a convex portion that contacts the lower surface of the developing device and an inclined portion that descends from the convex portion to both sides in the moving direction of the holding member, and the developing device has a convex portion of the pressing / separating member. 6. The image bearing member attaching / detaching mechanism according to claim 5, further comprising a concave portion on the lower surface for accommodating a portion and retracting the developing roller from the image bearing member.   7. The pressing member according to claim 1, further comprising an urging unit that urges the developing device in a direction in which the developing roller is pressed against the image carrier. Image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism.   The image bearing member attaching / detaching mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the biasing means is a coil spring.   A color image forming apparatus comprising the image carrier attaching / detaching mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images